Question:

What's a nicer drive through Virginia (from DC to TN); I-81 in the Shenandoah Valley or through Fredericksburg
My girlfriend and I are driving from DC to Nashville, TN and are curious about the different ways to get there. There are some points of interest in Fredericksburg and Charlottesville and Staunton, but I heard the Shenandoah Valley is very scenic. Which route do you suggest? it's a one way trip, we won't be coming back to DC

Answers:

A-Best: While it has some points of interest, Fredericksburg is quite a distance off your route, and the only reasonable way to get there from DC is via I-95, a nasty drive. I would omit it from the itinerary . My preference would be to drive to Front Royal and then take Skyline Drive (must pay to enter the National Park) to Charottesville-Staunton, then Instead of driving I-81 between Charlottesville and southern Virginia, drive the Blue Ridge Parkway at least as far as Roanoke. The best part of the Parkway is in North Carolina, but the section in VA is a great drive. If you decide to drive through the valley instead of the Skyline Drive-Parkway route, catch US-11 for much of the way. It is an old highway and does not carry too much traffic. It is slower than I-81 but much nicer to drive because not many 18 wheelers use it, and it passes through some cute little towns.  

A: I-81 is a nice scenic drive but you can't miss Fredericksburg. I just spent 5 days there. There is so much Colonial and Civil War history to see.  

A: I've driven this route too many times to count. My favorite stretches of the route are between Gainsville and Front Royal on 66 to 81, it has stunning countryside. Then its boring from Front Royal until you get past Staunton. The best part of the route is driving through the Smoky Mountains. The 66, 81 to 40 Route is faster. Coming home, I'd follow 40 to 85 to 95. Stop in Asheville, NC. That way you get the benefit of both! EDIT: For a one way trip...if time is not a factor.....if you have never taken I-66 beyond the beltway, I'd take the route and stop at the Battlefields of Manassas. The countryside to Front Royal is spectacular. Then I would take I81 to Charlottesville and cut down I64 through Richmond to I85. Both cities are worthy of a stop. From I-85 follow to I40 and stop in Asheville and see the Biltmore if you can. Continuing from there to Knoxville is a terrific drive. Hope this helps.  

A: I usually take I-66 to Rte 29 south, follow 29 south to Charlottesville, pick up I-64 west to I-81 south. I like that a little better, since I-81, while a beautiful trip, can get very boring for 300+ miles. I really like the I-64 part of the trip, which is just over 30 miles, but you are going over the mountains at this part, and there are a couple places you could pull off and take in the view.  

A: I recommend 66 to 81. 81 has a lot of truck traffic on it but beautiful scenery and full of historical places to stop and visit on your way down. Enjoy the trip!  

A: Fredricksburg is no where near where you would like to go. I like the Skyline drive suggestion. That is breathtaking. It looks like it will cost you about $15 http://www.nps.gov/shen/parkmgmt/upload/fees.pdf The Shenandoah Valley is very pretty and there are lots of good places to stop - including vista points on the Blue Ridge Mountain - wineries and civil war historical sites. http://www.blueridgeskyline.com/